About Us

About Us

About Kentucky Colonel

The Central & Southern Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is brigade for active members of the Honorable Order. A commissioned Kentucky Colonel is akin to receiving a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. It is an honorary title bestowed upon those who do great service for the community. We all share a spirit of kindness, goodwill, fellowship, and pride in the Commonwealth. God save the Commonwealth of Kentucky!

In 1813 when Governor Isaac Shelby named one of his officers, Charles Todd, as an “Aide-de-Camp” on the Governor’s staff with the rank and grade of Colonel. Later Governors commissioned Colonels to act as their protective guard; they wore uniforms and were present at most official functions.

Other Governors continued this practice and by 1920’s their numbers had grown considerably. In 1932, The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels was formally established as “a great non-political brotherhood for the advancement of Kentucky and Kentuckians.”

Over the years, the Colonels have contributed millions of dollars to worthy causes. In addition to their collective charitable efforts, the Governor’s order creating each individual’s commission states that the Colonelcy carries with it a responsibility to be “Kentucky’s ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world.” All Kentucky Colonels also accept the authority of the sitting Governor as their Commander-in-Chief.

How to Address a Kentucky Colonel

In Writing or Announcements

In and outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky, commissioned Kentucky Colonels are considered members of the Governor’s Staff and his/her honorary aides-de-camp, and as such are entitled to the style of ‘Honorable‘ or ‘The Honorable‘ as indicated on their commission certificates. The commission and letters patent granted by the Governor and Secretary of State bestowing the title of Kentucky Colonel refers to the honoree as ‘Honorable (First Name and Last Name)’.

In-person

In person, the person may also be referred to as Colonel (Last Name), or simply Colonel.